Submariner’s African mission
23 November 2010
By
FLTLT Tiaan Wolzak
Training in the confines of an Australian Collins Class submarine would not initially seem like ideal preparation for working in an African village.
However, LEUT Alan Donovan, a submariner from HMAS Stirling, is proving otherwise.
LEUT Donovan is currently deployed to Sudan as part of Operation Azure – the Australian contribution towards the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS).
UNMIS was formed on March 24, 2005, after the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement signed a Comprehensive Peace Agreement to end a civil war that lasted more than 20 years.
LEUT Donovan is one of six Australians serving as United Nations Military Observers, or UNMOs. They are deployed to remote locations all across Sudan to monitor the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
LEUT Donovan is based at the Kurmuk team site in a village of southeast Sudan, bordering Ethiopia.
Describing his home away from home, LEUT Donovan said the living conditions were austere.
“But there is a small international community that is supportive and focused on the mission,” LEUT Donovan said.
A typical work day at the team site involves planning, briefing and leading patrols within the Kurmuk area of responsibility by foot, four-wheel-drive or helicopter. Some patrols can span a week and involve working with the local military and civilian population to promote security and enduring peace.
There is always humanitarian work to be done as well, such as assisting in the repair of ageing infrastructure, ridding communities of unexploded ordnance and mines, or dealing with the constant shortage of food, water, medical and educational supplies.
The UNMOs’ role is as much about monitoring the military as it is about creating a secure environment for rebuilding peaceful communities.
One thing that stands out for LEUT Donovan as a father of four is the children of Southern Sudan.
“After nearly five years of peace there are many young children in the villages I visit,” he says.
“Many have grown up without war but all still suffer from the effects of a nation trying to rebuild itself. Despite this, they have the biggest smiles and make every little effort worthwhile.”
LEUT Donovan’s Navy training and experience has prepared him well for the challenges he has faced on operations.
“Having worked with military members from many nations, I am in absolutely no doubt that Australian Servicemen and women are among the most capable and best trained in the world,” he said.
“Serving in Sudan has been challenging, enlightening and rewarding.
“I am very much looking forward to returning to my family in Australia and, while I know I have made a positive contribution for peace in Sudan, there is still much that needs to be done to support the fragile peace that exists here.”
Southern Sudan will hold a referendum in January 2011, voting on whether to unify with Sudan or to separate and form Africa’s newest nation.
“This will be a critical stage in Sudan’s history,” LEUT Donovan said.
“I hope the world community will increase its focus on the need to support Sudan and its people in building a lasting peace.”
blog comments powered by Disqus
